Valentine's Day on a Shoestring

Hey Mama's, Happy Valentine's Day! This is a day set aside to spend some time with your partner and remember who the person is that you co-parent with on a daily basis. For parents it can be more of a challenge to set aside time together, but it's important to try and carve out ways to show each other how you feel to keep the spark alive. Here are a few tips for celebrating Valentine's Day from Colleen Mullaney, lifestyle expert, decorating guru and author of the entertaining book It's 5 O'Clock Somewhere. Colleen says “Valentine’s Day celebrations can be affordable; a few simple touches can transform the everyday dining table to a romantic retreat. What’s more – I find these at home moments often lead to better memories and they’re much more fun to create!”

Here are a few of her ideas to help spice up your Valentine's Day:

Good Morning – Begin the day by letting your spouse sleep in. The added beauty rest goes a long way and allows you to start the morning on a luxurious note. Place a valentine note under the pillow to start the day with a little romance. You can continue the romantic mood and ensure they don’t lose that loving feeling by texting and emailing sweet nothings. Finally, heart shaped cookie cutters can make the first meal of the day a memorable one. Try pancakes with mixed berries to set the mood.

Set the Mood – Transform the everyday dining space with homemade accents and other elegant and romantic touches. For example, put your heart out on a limb, literally, by making a hearts tree. Crafted by printing out photos or poems, cutting them into heart shapes and hanging them with pretty ribbons on branches that have been sprayed white. A simple vase filled with red pebbles makes a perfect base. Or, set a heart inspired tablescape. Paper stores carry pre-cut heart shapes in a variety of sizes, perfect for place mats and drink coasters. Sprinkle the table with confetti or small candies and finish off with candles and flowers. No need for a dozen long stemmed roses, try a few bunches of red tulips cut short and arranged in small glass cubes for a modern look without the expense.

The Main Event – For most, the central Valentine’s Day celebration is the dinner you share at the end of the evening. Plan on something special and festive that the two of you can cook together. Keep the lighting low and play romantic tunes to set the mood. To add to the festivity start your meal with a cocktail. Try the Baccarat from her book, "It's 5 O'Clock Somewhere", a tasty concoction of cranberry juice, lime juice, Grand Marnier and Rose Champagne. The bubbles will set a celebratory tone and the cranberry adds a splash of the seasonal color. End the meal with heart shaped brownies or mini cakes with berries and cream.

Finish Strong – No need to rush through the dinner, talk and enjoy each other’s company. After cleaning up (together) watch a romantic movie, perhaps something you saw during the beginning stages of your courtship or play a game with a love theme like scrabble. Romance can be found everywhere and should be celebrated throughout the day.

Whatever you do to celebrate, have a wonderful day!